The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 54, July 1950 - April, 1951 Page: 204
544 p. : ill., ports., maps. (some col.) ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Votes ard Docum#ets
W V. Freeman's Report ow tlhe iith Military
Zepartmewt
Edited by M. L. CRIMMINS
[concluded]
My instructions required me to ascertain the objects designed to
be accomplished in the establishment of the several posts, and to
what extent those objects had been attained. On these points I re-
quested information from Bvt. Major General Smith, who kindly
addressed me a communication on the subject, setting forth his views
at length. To that paper-a copy of which, marked V, is appended to
this report-I respectfully beg to refer. Since that letter was written,
General Smith has directed the inner line of posts, commencing at
Fort Worth, to be broken up, and a discussion of its advantages or
defects is thus rendered unnecessary; but candour compels me to
say that, with our present limited force, my own convictions favour
the occupancy of but two lines-one, of the Rio Grande, and the
other, of the northern frontier-and the holding of these, at proper
points, with garrisons of not less than four companies. I am opposed
to cutting up the troops into small detachments, believing it in-
jurious to their discipline and efficiency, particularly under the
practice now prevailing of requiring them to furnish all details for
the service of the Quartermaster's, Subsistence and Medical Depart-
ments. Such details would be but little heavier for a post of four or
six companies than for one of a single company; and the diminution
of the number of posts would, besides, greatly reduce the expense of
supplying them. I am also opposed to the cavalry being posted by
itself, because many men are then necessarily detached from their
stable duties, and I think the trooper should never be separated from
his horse. I would place them by squadrons with the foot, and require
one company to be constantly in the saddle scouring the country. I
am aware that objections are made to this mixed command on the
ground of its occasioning a want of harmony, but I see no difficulty
in so defining the duties of each arm as to obviate all cause of colli-
sion. If they can act in concert in the field, there would seem to be
no reason why they should not do so in garrison. In regard to the
foot regiments, I would divide them into two battalions, one of six
companies under the Colonel, and the other of four under the Lieut.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 54, July 1950 - April, 1951, periodical, 1951; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101133/m1/264/?rotate=180: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.